Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    Supervision of Contamination Remediation of Former Petrol Filling Station

    Ruddlesden geotechnical recently supervised the contamination remediation works for residential development of a former petrol filling station site in Exeter. Ruddlesden supervised the excavation of the underground fuel storage tanks, pipelines and interceptors, as well as grossly contaminated soils. Validation testing of the resultant excavations was subsequently undertaken, to demonstrate that no unacceptable levels of contamination remained in the ground. Groundwater quality monitoring in borehole installations was also undertaken before, during and after the remedial works, to assess the risks to controlled waters and a betterment of groundwater quality. Close liaison throughout the works with the local authority and Environment Agency, ensured that the regulators were satisfied with the works and all the relevant planning conditions were discharged.

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  • Recent projects

    Geotechnical Considerations for Basement Construction for Proposed Hospital

    For a proposed basement car park at a hospital in Dorset, Ruddlesden geotechnical were commissioned to undertake a geotechnical investigation. The geotechnical investigation indicated that a thick succession of river gravels was present beneath the site, for the base of the proposed basement. Widespread collapse of strata was observed in machine-excavated trial pits during the investigation and elevated groundwater pressures were recorded during subsequent groundwater monitoring. In light of the ground conditions encountered, it was recommended that a top-down construction approach be undertaken, e.g. using a secant bored pile wall, to mitigate the effects of collapsible ground and the need to dewater excavations. It was also considered that, depending on the weight of the proposed structure, tensioned piles might be required to resist flotation of the structure as a result of the high groundwater pressures.

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